Damien Oliver, also known as Ollie, is a highly successful and respected retired Australian Thoroughbred racehorse rider.
He comes from a long racing lineage, as his father, Ray Oliver, also had a successful career in the sport before his sudden death in a racing accident.
In recognition of his impressive achievements, Oliver was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2008.
File
- Full name: Damien Oliver
- Stage Name: Ollie
- Date of birth: June 22, 1972
- Age: 51 years old
- Place of birth: Perth, Australia
- Australian citizenship
- Occupation: Retired Australian Thoroughbred jockey
- Height: 6’4”
- Parents: Ray Oliver and Pat Rudland
- Siblings: 1, Jason Oliver
- Spouse: Trish Oliver
- Children: 3, Niali Oliver, Zara Oliver and Luke Oliver
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $20 million
Early life and education
Damien Oliver, also known as Ollie, is a famous Australian horseman, born on June 22, 1972 in Perth, Australia. He was raised by his parents, Ray Oliver and Pat Rudland, and grew up with a sibling, Jason Oliver.
Damien attended Byford Primary School in Byford, Western Australia, before pursuing a career as a horseman. During his successful career, he became a household name in the Australian horse racing community.
Career
Damien Oliver, also known as Ollie, is a legendary Australian horseman, known for his incredible achievements throughout his career.
He achieved the prestigious “Grand Slam” of Australian horse racing by winning the Melbourne Cup three times, the Caulfield Cup four times, the Cox Plate twice and the Golden Slipper.
Oliver also holds the record for the most Group 1 race wins in Australia, with an impressive total of 129. His most notable win in the Melbourne Cup came in 2002 when he raced Media Quiz coming just days after the tragic death of his brother in a horse racing accident. These incredible achievements cement Damien Oliver’s status as one of Australia’s greatest ever horsemen.
Damien Oliver is one of the most successful horsemen in Australian racing history. He has won the prestigious Scobie Breasley Medal a record 14 times, which recognises racing excellence on the Melbourne circuit.
He also won the Victorian Riders Championship 10 times, including the inaugural Roy Higgins Medal in 2014.
After a remarkable career spanning more than two decades, Oliver retired in December 2023 with a perfect final day of three wins. In honor of his achievements, a race was named after him – the Damien Oliver Gold Rush.
Awards and appointments
Achievement Award
- Inducted into the Australian Horseracing Hall of Fame (2008): This prestigious honour recognises the most significant figures in the Australian horseracing industry.
Win the race
- Melbourne Cup (3 times): Doriemus (1995), Media Quiz (2002), Fiorentina (two thousand and thirteen)
- Caulfield Cup (4 times): Behavioral style (1992), Paris Road (1994), Doriemus (1995), Sky height (1999)
- Cox Plate (2 times): The Dane Ripper (1997), North (2001)
- Golden Shoe (1 time): Forensic (2007)
Victoria, Australia Exclusive Award
- Scobie Breasley Medal (14 times): This award, voted by judges, recognises excellence in horse racing on the Melbourne racetrack. (Oliver holds the record for the most wins)
- Victorian Horsemen’s Association Championship (10 times): Most wins by a Horseman in a season. (Oliver is second all-time)
- Roy Higgins Medal (1 time): Awarded to the winner of the Victorian Horse Racing Championship (first award in 2014)
Social Media
- Instagram name: @oli_damien
Personal life
Damien Oliver may be known as a successful horseman, but he also has a strong family life and a passion for Australian Rules football. He is married to Trish and they have three children – daughters Niali Oliver and Zara Oliver and son Luke Oliver.
The family live in Port Melbourne and when not at the racetrack, Oliver often cheers on his favourite team, the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League.
Net asset value
Damien Oliver, also known as Ollie, is known for his successful career as a thoroughbred racehorse rider in Australia. He has won many prestigious races and has become a respected figure in the horse racing community.
With his impressive achievements and sponsorships, his net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. His financial success is a testament to his talent and hard work in the racing industry.
